Leaders of all the devolved nations have rejected Boris Johnson's new "stay alert" advice in favour of the "stay at home" message in the fight against coronavirus amid criticism that the new slogan is unclear.

The Prime Minister was dropping his stricter message as he prepared to unveil his plans to ease the lockdown in a broadcast to the nation on Sunday evening.

He is now telling the public to "stay at home as much as possible", keep two metres apart when going out and "limit contact" with other people.

85PHOTOS

Scotland feels impact of coronavirus

See Gallery

Scotland feels impact of coronavirus

A new piece of street art by The Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall in Leith, Scotland, as Scotland is moving into phase one of the Scottish Government's plan for gradually lifting lockdown, Wednesday June 3, 2020. Scotland and Wales have developed separate procedures from England to gradually allow the lifting of lockdown restrictions because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

A new piece of street art by The Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall in Leith, Scotland, as Scotland is moving into phase one of the Scottish Government's plan for gradually lifting lockdown, Wednesday June 3, 2020. Scotland and Wales have developed separate procedures from England to gradually allow the lifting of lockdown restrictions because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

People walk by Portobello beach as the country moved into phase one of the Scottish Government's plan to gradually lift restrictions in place to curb coronavirus, allowing people to meet family and friends outdoors and play sports such as golf and tennis again, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Friday May 29, 2020. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)

(clockwise from top) Iain Tait, Kyle Storrie, Rory Armatage, Scott Rowan, Johnn Stevens, Dave Brunton and Bruce Collins, from East Lothian Council's Amenity Services stand alongside the floral display they created acknowledging the 75th anniversary of VE Day and thanking the NHS during the current Covid-19 pandemic in the Lodge Grounds at North Berwick. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

A jogger passes NHS supporting art on a wall in Glasgow as Scotland moves into phase one of the Scottish Government's plan for gradually lifting lockdown. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Olivia Harper sunbathes on the Old Course at St Andrews, in Fife as final preparations are completed to the course ahead of reopening tomorrow. On the day that First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that people in Scotland will be able to meet one other household at a time outdoors from Friday as lockdown measures around the coronavirus pandemic ease. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Gavin McAdam wears one of the face masks designed by his Edinburgh pop-up company Breathe Easy which is producing a range of reusable face coverings to help in the fight against coronavirus, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Wednesday May 20, 2020. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)

Staff from Queen Elizabeth University Hospital gather as they join in the applause to salute local heroes during Thursday's nationwide Clap for Carers to recognise and support NHS workers and carers fighting the coronavirus pandemic, in Glasgow, Scotland, Thursday May 28, 2020. On Thursday evening, people across the U.K. stood on balconies, doorsteps and sidewalks to applaud care workers on the front lines of the pandemic, for the 10th and possibly final time. Annemarie Plas, 36, founded the ritual but says that “to have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak.” (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MAY 27: First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon looks on during the First Minister's Questions at the Scottish Parliament on May 27, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Fraser Bremner-Pool/Getty Images)

GLASGOW - MAY 27: Members of the public walk past new graffiti on Clyde Street on May 27, 2020 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The British government continues to ease the coronavirus lockdown by announcing schools will open to reception year pupils plus years one and six from June 1st. Open-air markets and car showrooms can also open from the same date. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 20: Police speak with members of the public as they enjoy the hottest day of the year on May 20, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The British government has started easing the lockdown it imposed two months ago to curb the spread of Covid-19, abandoning its 'stay at home' slogan in favour of a message to 'be alert', but UK countries have varied in their approaches to relaxing quarantine measures. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A person walks past coronavirus related graffiti on a wall in Glasgow after the introduction of measures to bring the country out of lockdown. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A pedestrian walks past a mural paying tribute to NHS staff who continue to work during the coronavirus pandemic in Glasgow on May 16, 2020, as lockdown to kurb the spread of COVID-19 continues. - Officials statistics show Britain had recorded more than 36,000 deaths in the outbreak by the start of the month, the second-worst in the world, although the government's current total -- which is a less comprehensive count -- is 34,446. The health ministry announced another 468 deaths on May 16. (Photo by Andy Buchanan / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 18: Celtic fans gather at Celtic Park following the announcement that their club has been crowned Scottish champions for the ninth season in a row and Hearts have been relegated after the SPFL ended the season on May 18, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The British government has started easing the lockdown it imposed two months ago to curb the spread of Covid-19, abandoning its 'stay at home' slogan in favour of a message to 'be alert', but UK countries have varied in their approaches to relaxing quarantine measures. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 15: Estonian freelance ballet dancer and choreographer, Eve Mutso performs her daily fitness routine near her home Charing Cross on May 15, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The prime minister announced the general contours of a phased exit from the current lockdown, adopted nearly two months ago in an effort curb the spread of Covid-19. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 20: Police speak with members of the public as they enjoy the hottest day of the year on May 20, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The British government has started easing the lockdown it imposed two months ago to curb the spread of Covid-19, abandoning its 'stay at home' slogan in favour of a message to 'be alert', but UK countries have varied in their approaches to relaxing quarantine measures. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A member of the public at Glasgow Green as part of gatherings taking place this weekend across the UK against the coronavirus pandemic restrictions after the introduction of measures to bring the country out of lockdown. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

Members of the public gather in Glasgow Green to protest against the coronavirus lockdown restrictions. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

Becs Barker (left) chats to her neighbour Jan Brown on her doorstep in Minard, Argyll and Bute. A handful of residents in the village set up a community group to help the vulnerable with shopping with the majority of those in the village now assisting and in the process have discovered a renewed community spirit through their efforts to combat lockdown loneliness. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

Police attend as members of the public gather in Glasgow Green to protest against the coronavirus lockdown restrictions. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

Hannah McGee takes picture of a piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear after it appeared on a wall on Ashton Lane in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a nurse wearing a mask and forming a love heart with her hands as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A person walks past a boarded up shop in Glasgow with the wording HEROES written on it as a tribute to the NHS as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Mitch Wilkins is tested at a drive through testing facility for COVID-19 at Edinburgh Airport as Scotland continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

CAMPBELTOWN, SCOTLAND - MAY 07: Members of the Campbeltown community turn out for the funeral of 52 year old Ambulance Paramedic Robert Black who passed away from coronavirus last week on May 7, 2020 in Campbeltown, Scotland. The country continued quarantine measures intended to curb the spread of Covid-19, but the infection rate is falling, and government officials are discussing the terms under which it would ease the lockdown. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 06: A member of the public walks past a sign at Charing Cross during the coronavirus lockdown on May 6, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The country continues quarantine measures intended to curb the spread of Covid-19, but the infection rate is falling, and government officials are discussing the terms under which it would ease the lockdown. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, - APRIL 22: A man takes in the view of the Glenlee tall ship as the sun sets over the city during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown on April 22, 2020 in Glasgow,United Kingdom. The British government has extended the lockdown restrictions first introduced on March 23 that are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 22: Technicians carry out a sample transfer during the opening of the new Covid-19 testing lab at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital on April 22, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. Testing of samples has officially started this week at the Lighthouse Lab which is hosted by the University of Glasgow at its Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The project funded by the UK Government is part of a network of diagnostic testing facilities alongside other Lighthouse Lab sites in Milton Keynes and Alderley Park, Cheshire. Experts hope the new Covid-19 facility will be able to carry out tens of thousands of tests a day. (Photo by Andrew Milligan - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 22: Volunteers at Thomas Rae tailors, work at his shop in Easterhouse shopping centre making free scrubs for NHS nurses and doctors on April 22, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The British government has extended the lockdown restrictions first introduced on March 23 that are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A thank you NHS flutters at the golfcourse in Grangemouth, Scotland, on April 21, 2020. - Oil-price turmoil gripped traders once more Tuesday, a day after US crude futures crashed below zero for the first time as the coronavirus crisis crippled global energy demand and worsened a supply glut. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Exterior cleaning contractor Malcolm Bennet from Flamingo Exterior Cleaning voluntarily disinfects aruond a bus shelter in Ayr town Centre on the west coast of Scotland on April 18, 2020 as life in Britain continues under lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 illness. - Malcolm Bennet and Robin Barclay, owners of Flamingo Exterior Cleaning, have been donating their time and materials to clean and disinfect public spaces in towns around Aryshire on the west coast of Scotland as a way of contributing to the fight against the spread of the new coronavirus amid a deadly global pandemic. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 17: Members of the public are seen out on Princess Street during the coronavirus pandemic on April 17, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland.The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 120,000 lives and infecting over 2 million people. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A cyclist passes graffiti in Glasgow city centre as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images)

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 17: Members of the public are seen out on the Royal Mile during the coronavirus pandemic on April 17, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 120,000 lives and infecting over 2 million people. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - APRIL 17: Members of the public walk past graffiti in the Meadows during the coronavirus pandemic on April 17, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland.The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 120,000 lives and infecting over 2 million people. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Posters of rainbows, being used as a symbol of hope during hte novel coronavirus pandemic, are pictured in the windows of Castle View Care Home, operated by the HC-One group, in Dumbarton, west of Glasgow on April 21, 2020, after the news that 8 elderly residents had died after displaying symptoms of COVID-19 at the home in the last weeks. - Weekly figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the number of people dying in care homes was growing. The official government toll, published daily, only counts those people who have died in hospital after being tested. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

TOPSHOT - Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife, Wendy Chamberlain (43) participates in a remote session of the House of Commons in Westminster, London, from her home in Fife, Scotland on April 21, 2020, during the nationwide lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. - The British parliament returns on Tuesday from an extended Easter break, allowing lawmakers to scrutinise ministers as criticism grows of government handling of the coronavirus crisis and deaths outside hospitals increase. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The Kelpies in Falkirk which will be lit by blue light for the remaining period of the COVID-19 crisis as a tribute to NHS and social care workers. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 07: A general view of the interior of the new temporary NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital at the SEC event centre on April 07, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. There have been around 50,000 reported cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the United Kingdom and 5,000 deaths. The country is in its third week of lockdown measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. (Photo by Ian Rutherford - WPA Pool/ Getty Images)

Cyclists ride bikes as they pass a giant logo of Britain's National Health Service (NHS), placed in the windows of a closed-down pub in appreciation of the NHS's frontline medical staff working to save patients with COVID-19, in Glasgow on April 8, 2020, as life in Britain continues during the nationwide lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic. - Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson began a third day in intensive care on April 8 battling the coronavirus, which has struck at the heart of the British government, infected more than 55,000 people across the country and killed nearly 6,200. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 02: Finlay MacDonald and his sons Elliott, ten, and Fionn, eight, play Scotland the Brave on the bagpipes outside their home in Clarkston on April 02, 2020 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Bagpipers across Scotland have been encouraged to play "Scotland the Brave" to thank the key workers who continue with their work amid the Coronavirus outbreak. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 40,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A post van travels along a deserted main street in Callander, Perthshire as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

OBAN, SCOTLAND - APRIL 02: Caledonian MacBrayne ferries are moored in Oban harbour during the Coronavirus crisis on April 2, 2020 in Oban, Scotland. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 40,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

INVERARY, SCOTLAND - APRIL 02: An empty view of Main Street West as lockdown continues during the coronavirus outbreak on April 2, 2020 in Inveraray, Scotland. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 40,000 lives and infecting nearly a million people. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 01: A man sits alone in George Square during the Coronavirus crisis on April 1, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 40,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A person in a dinosaur costume runs along the main street in Callander, Perthshire as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Military personnel walk past The SSE Hydro in Glasgow is lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to the hardworking NHS staff who are trying to battle coronavirus. A national salute for the frontline healthcare heroes is taking place across the UK with a mass round of applause from doorsteps, windows and balconies on Thursday at 8pm. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 31: Two men make their way past boarded up pub on Queen Street during the Coronavirus crisis on March 31, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 30,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 31: Members of the public walk past a sign asking people to stay at home during the Coronavirus crisis on March 31, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 30,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Tape marks out where to stand to observe 'social distancing' guidelines at ticket machines at London Bridge station in the borough of Southwark, which has among the highest number of covid-19 coronavirus cases anywhere in the UK, in London, England, on March 30, 2020. Official figures report that Southwark currently has 368 cases of covid-19, the highest in London and fifth highest in the UK as a whole, behind Sheffield (428), Glasgow (449), Hampshire (498) and Birmingham (578). The neighbouring London borough of Lambeth is similarly hard-hit, with 366 cases, sixth-highest in the UK. Britain meanwhile began its second week of lockdown today, with the measures set to be reviewed after an initial three-week period, though an extension is widely expected. Across the country a further 2,618 new cases were confirmed today, a slight rise after two days of falls, with a total of 1,408 people having so far died in the UK after testing positive for the virus. (Photo by David Cliff/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

A woman waits to cross a near-deserted Walworth Road in the borough of Southwark, which has among the highest number of covid-19 coronavirus cases anywhere in the UK, in London, England, on March 30, 2020. Official figures report that Southwark currently has 368 cases of covid-19, the highest in London and fifth highest in the UK as a whole, behind Sheffield (428), Glasgow (449), Hampshire (498) and Birmingham (578). The neighbouring London borough of Lambeth is similarly hard-hit, with 366 cases, sixth-highest in the UK. Britain meanwhile began its second week of lockdown today, with the measures set to be reviewed after an initial three-week period, though an extension is widely expected. Across the country a further 2,618 new cases were confirmed today, a slight rise after two days of falls, with a total of 1,408 people having so far died in the UK after testing positive for the virus. (Photo by David Cliff/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

NORTH QUENSFERRY, FIFE - MARCH 30: A ScotRail train passes over the Forth Bridge as the cruise ship Balmoral passes under, following further cutbacks on services by the rail operator as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic, on March 30, 2020 in North Queensferry, Fife. ScotRail had already reduced services last week, but is cutting more daytime services and concentrating on providing services more tailored to the needs of key workers whose travel is essential. (Photo by Ken Jack/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 31: Workmen are seen at Glasgow's SECC which is going to be turned into a field hospital to treat victims of Coronavirus on March 31, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to many countries across the world, claiming over 30,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

A motorist wearing a face mask drives through the streets of Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A cyclist makes his way up a quiet Saint Vincent Street in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (L) gestures as she holds a briefing on the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak in Edinburgh on March 29, 2020, as Britain lives under lockdown, its population joining around 1.7 billion people around the globe ordered to stay indoors to curb the "accelerating" spread of the coronavirus. - The British government admitted on Sunday that the coronavirus lockdown could last a "significant" time as a leading expert warned it could be in place until June. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JEFF J MITCHELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Clementine Sage(L) and Lucy Paterson perform Muay Thai in Kevingrove Park in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Police patrol Kevingrove Park in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A COVID-19 sign saying the play park is closed at the entrance to Kevingrove Park in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A cyclist in Kevingrove Park in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A view of a the entrance to St Enoch underground station in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Pigeons fly in a quiet looking George Square in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A view of a quiet St Enoch underground station in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A view of an empty train as it travels through the underground network in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A view of a quiet looking Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

An UBER EATS cyclist in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Military personnel and officials walk around the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Military personnel and officials walk around the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Traffic on the M9 passes the Kelpies sculpture in Falkirk, which will be lit up in blue for the entirety of the coronavirus outbreak period of as a lasting tribute to NHS and social care workers. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

A woman walks past a homeless person lying in a doorway in a Glasgow city centre street on March 27, 2020. - Britain is under lockdown, its population joining around 1.7 billion people around the globe ordered to stay indoors to curb the "accelerating" spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Police officers speak with a member of the public in a Glasgow city centre street on March 27, 2020. - Britain is under lockdown, its population joining around 1.7 billion people around the globe ordered to stay indoors to curb the "accelerating" spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Police officers break up a group of people who had gathered in Glasgow city centre on March 27, 2020. - Britain is under lockdown, its population joining around 1.7 billion people around the globe ordered to stay indoors to curb the "accelerating" spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 27: Members of the public walk past a sign on the A82 north bound on March 27, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon along with British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, implemented strict lockdown measures urging people to stay at home and only leave the house for basic food shopping, exercise once a day and essential travel to and from work. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to at least 182 countries, claiming over 20,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 27: Police patrol Buchanan Street on March 27, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland.Scotland. First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon along with British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, implemented strict lockdown measures urging people to stay at home and only leave the house for basic food shopping, exercise once a day and essential travel to and from work. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spread to at least 182 countries, claiming over 20,000 lives and infecting hundreds of thousands more. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Jim Miller Procurement Director from NHS National Services Scotland moves boxes of face masks at the NHS' National Procurement Warehouse at Canderside, Larkhall, as deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPE) are being increased, with millions of masks and gloves have already delivered to frontline staff. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

STENHOUSEMIR, SCOTLAND - MARCH 27: Asiyah Javed, 34, from Falkirk, and husband Jawad Javed, 35, stand for a portrait at their shop in Stenhousemuir, Scotland on March 27, 2020. The couple have been delivering care packages with hand sanitizer and masks to the elderly and vulnerable against the coronavirus (COVID- 19) outbreak in their community. (Photo by Robert Ormerod/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

STENHOUSEMIR, SCOTLAND - MARCH 27: Asiyah Javed, 34 from Falkirk, stands for a portrait with a care package at her shop in Stenhousemuir, Scotland., Scotland on March 27, 2020. Asiyah Javed, 34, from Falkirk, and husband Jawad Javed, 35 have been delivering care packages with hand sanitizer and masks to the elderly and vulnerable against the coronavirus (COVID- 19) outbreak in their community. (Photo by Robert Ormerod/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Glass is strewn on the pavement in front of the vandalised door of a Chinese restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland on March 27, 2020. - Britain was under lockdown, its population joining around 1.7 billion people around the globe ordered to stay indoors to curb the "accelerating" spread of the coronavirus. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

People in flats wave the Scottish flag in Glasgow as they join in a national applause for the NHS from their doorsteps, windows and balconies to show their appreciation for all NHS workers who are helping to fight the Coronavirus. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

People walk through the near deserted streets of Edinburgh, Scotland on March 26, 2020 after the government ordered a lockdown to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. - The coronavirus outbreak and resulting lockdown of billions of people threatens the global economy to the point where economists are predicting the most violent recession in recent history, perhaps even eclipsing the Great Depression. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

An advertising billboard in Glasgow displays a message in support of the NHS. In a gesture of thanks to the frontline healthcare heroes, everyone across the nation has been invited to join a a mass round of applause from their doorsteps, windows and balconies at 8pm on Thursday. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 08: Military personnel test essential workers at drive-thru coronavirus testing centre at Glasgow Airport’s long-stay car park on April 8, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. There have been around 55,000 reported cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the United Kingdom and 6,000 deaths. The country is in its third week of lockdown measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 20: A general view of the new NHS Louisa Jordan hospital which is now ready to take its first coronavirus patients on April 20, 2020 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The British government has extended the lockdown restrictions first introduced on March 23 that are meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gestures, during the First Minister's Statement on Covid-19 at the Scottish Parliament, in Holyrood, Edinburgh, Scotland, Thursday May 21, 2020. Sturgeon presented a “map” for easing coronavirus restrictions in the months ahead while observing social distancing guidelines. (Fraser Bremner/Scottish Daily Mail/PA via AP)

GLASGOW - MAY 27: Members of the public view a sign referencing Chief Advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings' visit to Durham, on the gates of Queen's Park on May 27, 2020 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The British government continues to ease the coronavirus lockdown by announcing schools will open to reception year pupils plus years one and six from June 1st. Open-air markets and car showrooms can also open from the same date. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Up Next

See Gallery

Discover More Like This

HIDE CAPTION

SHOW CAPTION

of

SEE ALL

BACK TO SLIDE

But the Government's efforts to maintain a unified UK-wide response to the pandemic seemed to be in jeopardy as the devolved administrations rejected his message.

Ahead of a Cobra meeting with Mr Johnson, the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said they had not been consulted over the "stay alert, control the virus and save lives" slogan.

Opposition politicians criticised the message as being ambiguous and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the first she had heard of the "the PM's new slogan" was in newspaper reports.

"It is of course for him to decide what's most appropriate for England, but given the critical point we are at in tackling the virus, #StayHomeSaveLives remains my clear message to Scotland at this stage," she tweeted.

Her Welsh counterpart, Mark Drakeford, said the "stay home" message has not changed in Wales and remains the best way to protect lives from Covid-19.

Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething said "there has not been a four nations agreement or discussion" after reading the new slogan in media reports.

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster also said the nation will continue to use the "stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives" message.

"On the whole, the message is to stay at home. We will say we are not deviating from the message at this time," she told BBC Northern Ireland radio.

The PM tweeted his new advice, saying that people should "stay at home as much as possible", keep two metres apart when outside and "limit contact with other people".

Everyone has a role to play in helping to control the virus by staying alert and following the rules.

"This virus exploits ambivalence, it thrives on ambiguity, and I think the problem with the slogan that has been briefed to the newspapers is people will be looking slightly puzzled, questioning 'What does it mean to stay alert?'"

The Liberal Democrats' acting co-leader, Sir Ed Davey, said changing the slogan "makes the police's job near impossible and may cause considerable alarm".

Mr Johnson will convene a Cobra meeting with members of his Cabinet and devolved leaders ahead of his announcement.

But there was a suggestion that some Cabinet members were angry at being left out of the process when it emerged that aspects of the PM's address were recorded on Saturday.

People make use of a new widened pavement to aid social distancing on Camden High Street in London (Kirsty O'Connor/PA)

Alterations could still be made after the meeting but parts were already recorded as a way to get the footage to broadcasters in good time, the PA news agency understands.

The address is not expected to contain a great deal in the way of new policy, with the details being fleshed out in a document being published by the Government on Monday.

Mr Johnson will unveil a warning system administered by a new "joint biosecurity centre" which will detect local increases in infection rates.

With the alerts ranging from green in level one to red in level five, he will say the nation is close to moving down from four to three.

Later this week, the Prime Minister will address the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservatives amid concerns that some of his MPs will be unenthused by the gradual easing.

The incoming changes for England are only expected to be very modest, with a lifting of the limit of only one form of exercise per day and to permit garden centres to reopen.

But in a toughening of measures, fines for those who fail to abide by the rules will be hiked.

Ministers are also planning to impose a 14-day quarantine on people arriving in the UK by plane from any country apart from the Republic of Ireland.